JAMA Comment on the Conclusion of Japan-U.S. Consultations on Japan’s Participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership

The Japanese automobile industry welcomed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s announcement on March 15 this year of Japan’s intent to enter into negotiations on a Trans-Pacific Partnership. Japan’s participation in the TPP will not only be instrumental in the recovery of its economy, but will enable it to make significant contributions to regulatory and other progress throughout the Asia-Pacific region and to the development of bilateral and multilateral economic partnership agreements in other regions as well. We believe it is critical to start taking part in these talks at the earliest possible time.

Broad consensus was reached in the recent Japan-U.S. consultations, particularly on the importance of Japan’s early participation in the TPP talks, but the protracted process of automotive tariff elimination that was decided is regrettable.

We look forward to the Japanese government’s entering the TPP negotiations on a sure footing of promoting national interests and taking into account the views of our industry. It is furthermore hoped that upcoming negotiations will dispel any unfounded misunderstandings on the U.S. side in regard to the auto market here in Japan and serve the best interests of consumers in both our countries.